ST. EUGENE HOTEL AND CONFERENCE CENTER

This year, we are honored to host the Leading with HEART Conference at St. Eugene Resort in Cranbrook, BC a venue deeply rooted in history, healing, and Indigenous leadership. We deliberately chose St. Eugene Resort as an Indigenous-owned and operated venue to align with our commitment to truth, reconciliation, and equitable partnerships that foster long-term impact.
St. Eugene Resort stands as a powerful symbol of resilience and reclamation. Once home to the St. Eugene Mission School, a former residential school, the site has been reclaimed under the visionary leadership of the Ktunaxa Nation and transformed into a full-service resort that now thrives as a beacon of empowerment, economic development, and cultural preservation.

By attending the Leading with HEART Conference, you are entering a space that is more than just a gathering—it’s a catalyst for real change. This conference isn’t about checking a box; it’s about deep learning, meaningful conversations, and actionable takeaways that will transform the way you lead, advocate, and build inclusive workplaces.

What You Will Experience

• An Immersive Learning Environment
• Hosted in the breathtaking mountains of British Columbia, this conference allows you to step away from the day-to-day noise and fully engage in thought-provoking discussions, networking, and self-reflection.
• St. Eugene Resort, an Indigenous-owned and operated venue, provides the perfect setting for authentic dialogue and connection.

Action-Oriented Conversations

• Learn from trailblazing leaders and changemakers who are shaping the future of workplace culture, equity, and leadership.
• Engage in sessions that challenge the “check-the-box” mentality and provide real strategies for fostering psychological safety, belonging, and sustainable change.

Meaningful Connections

• Build relationships with fellow executives, DEI practitioners, and leaders who share your commitment to creating inclusive, impactful workplaces.
• Take part in cultural experiences, storytelling, and community-led initiatives woven throughout the conference.
• Building a Movement Together

This isn’t just another conference. It’s a gathering of bold, action-driven leaders who are ready to rethink how we create spaces where everyone thrives. By attending, you are not just investing in your own growth, you are contributing to a larger movement that bridges Indigenous knowledge, corporate leadership, and equity-deserving communities to drive real impact.

Join us for an unforgettable experience that will challenge, inspire, and equip you to lead with heart.

Day 1: Connection & Indigenous Awareness

• Registration & Welcome – An opportunity to meet, connect, and set intentions for the conference.
• MC Kickoff & Host Message – Setting the tone with energy and purpose.
• Indigenous Awareness Experience – A powerful guided experience including an Interpretive Centre tour, film screening, and a Residential School tour with an Elder/Knowledge Keeper.
• Dinner & Conversations – A space to unwind, reflect, and connect over shared meals.
• Keynote Speaker – A lighthearted yet impactful talk on the power of unity and collective strength.
• Evening Connection Activities – Intentional opportunities to foster relationships and build community.

Day 2: Awareness & Immersive Learning

• Breakfast & Morning Welcome – A grounding start to the day.
• Opening Remarks: Brave Space Principles – Setting the stage for honest dialogue and deep learning.
• Panel Discussion – Insights from diverse leaders on navigating IDEB in today’s workplaces.
• Case Study Session – Applying real-world scenarios to inclusive leadership challenges.
• Facilitated Room Discussion – A dynamic conversation capturing collective learning and perspectives.
• Lunch & Explore – Free time to experience the surroundings and engage in informal discussions.
• Team Building: Tipi Raising Exercise – A guided cultural experience in collaboration, respect, and shared learning.
• Relaxed Dinner Experience – An outdoor gathering with fire pits, food, and organic conversations.
• Keynote Speaker – An evening talk to inspire and energize.
• Cultural Experience by the Fire – A closing night of music, storytelling, and community.

Day 3: Action & Impactful Change

• Breakfast & Check-in – A moment to reflect and reconnect before diving in.
• Community Partner Spotlight: Reimagining DEI – Rapid-fire presentations from leaders pushing the boundaries of inclusive innovation.
• Working Sessions – Focused, action-driven sessions designed to equip attendees with tangible strategies.
• Closing Reflections & Next Steps – A call to action, key takeaways, and pathways forward.
• Lunch to Go – Wrapping up with nourishment and connection as attendees prepare to take their learnings back to their workplaces.

www.inclusiveconcepts.ca

“I loved it. The energy was like nothing I’d ever experienced before. It was a space where you were met where you are, could show up as yourself, build relationships, learn, discuss and plan your implementation/next steps.”

“This was my first conference in the space and while the connections and the learnings were amazing, the biggest thing I took away from this experience was energy – energy to keep going in this space and to learn more about how we can be more impactful at Fluor. There is a lot that goes into this – more than other conferences, I would argue. Well done and thank you for putting this event together.”

“I honestly was blown away with how far this conference had come. Last years was great but this year’s took it a step further and was truly amazing. It was a safe space where there was lots of learning and collaboration towards a more inclusive future for workplaces and DEI Professionals to make an impact. The keynote blew me away and was truly one of the most impactful inspirational sessions I had attended.”

“I met some incredible individuals, the content was raw, real and impactful. This conference has left a lasting impression on me and will shape all of my work moving forward. I have encouraged my employer to require this conference for all our employees.”

“I met some incredible individuals, the content was raw, real and impactful. This conference has left a lasting impression on me and will shape all of my work moving forward. I have encouraged my employer to require this conference for all our employees.”

“I think this is a high value conference that was thoughtfully curated and am so appreciative for it!”

“I met an amazing group of people and reconnected with some awesome folks that I am hoping to maintain a lasting relationship with. As well, I came away from the conference feeling empowered as a leader and equipped as a person to have some difficult conversations about inclusion and equity that I have not felt comfortable to have before.”

“I had the opportunity to bring 5 additional employees with me (4 are leaders); they expressed their enjoyment in the learning experience and are now armed to be champions in the IDEA space. I expect this will set them up to have more meaningful conversations with our employees, which makes my role successful as well, and is a win for everyone.”

“I’m so blown away by all the hard work and effort that was so evident in this conference. I have attended other IDEA conferences in the past and this one truly stand above the rest. The sense of safety and belonging that was modeled and held was nothing like I have ever experienced before. From Inez and Narissa, to the community partners, to the presenters, and attendees, I think all of us came together to create a container that was positive and enjoyable. I really liked having a Code of Conduct to help guide our time together. And I’d like to highlight a beautiful moment of belonging that occurred between me and Jay Brewster that I feel really encapsulated the safe, accepting space that was created. On the last day, I sat at a table that didn’t have the fidget toy I have been fidgeting with for most of the conference, Jay noticed this and went to find the toy I had been using and ensured that I had it. I truly felt seen and cared for.”